Freezing temperatures forecast for this weekend

Published: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 8:16 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 8:16 a.m.

Citrus trees and other ornamental plants, trees and shrubs are beginning to bloom. Countless calves, sheep and goats are being born throughout Marion County. It's mid-February, the transition from winter to spring.

But the fickle weather always makes this time of transition a bit tricky.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for freezing weather this weekend, which will likely damage citrus blooms and kill back that green growth that has been sprouting during this year's warm winter.

A freeze also will put animal owners on alert to watch out for the safety of the newborns.

The National Weather Service is calling for a daybreak low of 42 degrees on Saturday, 33 on Sunday and 31 on Monday. That could mean temperatures in the mid-20s in areas north and west of Ocala, from Dunnellon northward to Flemmington.

Today's high is expected to reach 70 degrees, while the high on both Saturday and Sunday may reach only 60.

"We will likely lose some blooms," said Kathleen Patterson with the Marion County Extension Office. In some cases, like with most of the citrus trees, the blooms will come back, though much later in the spring. Experts recommend in this part of Florida not to plant flowers and vegetable gardens until March 15, which is considered the last frost date.

Patterson said residents need to cover their plants if possible. In some cases, some plants that lose buds and growth will come back, though later in the spring than normal.

David Holmes, Marion County's extension agent, said Thursday that young calves, which are often born with a thick coat, should be fine.

When it comes to sheep and goats, which are more vulnerable, producers have always protected their investments from predators and cold weather.

The Humane Society of Marion County also reminded people to bring in pets, which in many cases may be suffering in the chilly temperatures.

That's unless homeowners have adequate shelter, such as a dog house, equipped with plenty of blankets to simulate a den or a light inside to keep them warm.

"I know many homeowners leave their animals outside," said Lynn Beurrier, a veteran technician at the Humane Society of Marion County. "But I would say bring them (in) if the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Think about those little paws that are not covered."

The county's official forecast is issued by the National Weather Service, while the Star-Banner's weather page uses AccuWeather forecasts. Sometimes those predictions differ. Besides the National Weather Service, some people rely on forecasts from The Weather Channel and AccuWeather.

The daybreak low on Sunday will range between 31 and 33 degrees, according to those three forecasts. Those same agencies predict Monday's low to be between 30 and 33 degrees.

Since Marion County is so large, low temperatures can be 3 to 5 degrees colder to the north and west of Ocala, including the city of Dunnellon. Temperatures can be as much as 5 degrees warmer to the south and east of Ocala.

Contact Joe Callahan at 867-4113 or joe.callahan@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter at JoeOcalaNews.

<p>Citrus trees and other ornamental plants, trees and shrubs are beginning to bloom. Countless calves, sheep and goats are being born throughout Marion County. It's mid-February, the transition from winter to spring.</p><p>But the fickle weather always makes this time of transition a bit tricky.</p><p>National Weather Service forecasters are calling for freezing weather this weekend, which will likely damage citrus blooms and kill back that green growth that has been sprouting during this year's warm winter.</p><p>A freeze also will put animal owners on alert to watch out for the safety of the newborns.</p><p>The National Weather Service is calling for a daybreak low of 42 degrees on Saturday, 33 on Sunday and 31 on Monday. That could mean temperatures in the mid-20s in areas north and west of Ocala, from Dunnellon northward to Flemmington.</p><p>Today's high is expected to reach 70 degrees, while the high on both Saturday and Sunday may reach only 60.</p><p>"We will likely lose some blooms," said Kathleen Patterson with the Marion County Extension Office. In some cases, like with most of the citrus trees, the blooms will come back, though much later in the spring. Experts recommend in this part of Florida not to plant flowers and vegetable gardens until March 15, which is considered the last frost date.</p><p>Patterson said residents need to cover their plants if possible. In some cases, some plants that lose buds and growth will come back, though later in the spring than normal.</p><p>David Holmes, Marion County's extension agent, said Thursday that young calves, which are often born with a thick coat, should be fine.</p><p>When it comes to sheep and goats, which are more vulnerable, producers have always protected their investments from predators and cold weather.</p><p>The Humane Society of Marion County also reminded people to bring in pets, which in many cases may be suffering in the chilly temperatures.</p><p>That's unless homeowners have adequate shelter, such as a dog house, equipped with plenty of blankets to simulate a den or a light inside to keep them warm.</p><p>"I know many homeowners leave their animals outside," said Lynn Beurrier, a veteran technician at the Humane Society of Marion County. "But I would say bring them (in) if the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Think about those little paws that are not covered."</p><p>The county's official forecast is issued by the National Weather Service, while the Star-Banner's weather page uses AccuWeather forecasts. Sometimes those predictions differ. Besides the National Weather Service, some people rely on forecasts from The Weather Channel and AccuWeather.</p><p>The daybreak low on Sunday will range between 31 and 33 degrees, according to those three forecasts. Those same agencies predict Monday's low to be between 30 and 33 degrees.</p><p>Since Marion County is so large, low temperatures can be 3 to 5 degrees colder to the north and west of Ocala, including the city of Dunnellon. Temperatures can be as much as 5 degrees warmer to the south and east of Ocala.</p><p><i>Contact Joe Callahan at 867-4113 or joe.callahan@starbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter at JoeOcalaNews.</i></p>